Elizabeth Somerset, Duchess of Beaufort facts for kids
Elizabeth Somerset, Duchess of Beaufort (born Elizabeth Berkeley; around 1713 – 9 April 1799) was an important figure in English society. She was born in a place called Stoke Gifford in Gloucestershire. Her parents were John Symes Berkeley and Elizabeth Norborne. She also had a younger brother named Norborne, Lord Botetourt.
Her Marriage and Family
On 1 May 1740, Elizabeth Berkeley married Charles Noel Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort. He was the younger son of Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort. Together, Elizabeth and Charles had six children:
- Lady Anne Somerset (born 11 March 1741 – died 18 May 1763). She married Charles Compton, 7th Earl of Northampton and had children.
- Lady Elizabeth Somerset (born 12 March 1742 – died 7 May 1760).
- Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort (born 16 October 1744 – died 11 October 1803). He later became the 5th Duke of Beaufort.
- Lady Rachel Somerset (born August 1746 – died May 1747). She passed away as a baby.
- Lady Henrietta Somerset (born 26 April 1748 – died 24 July 1770). She married Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 4th Baronet but did not have children.
- Lady Mary Isabella Somerset (born 1 August 1756 – died 2 September 1831). She married Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland and they had six children.
A Special Monument
There is a stone monument in Stoke Park, Bristol that remembers Elizabeth's daughter, Lady Elizabeth Somerset. The monument has a Latin message carved into it.
The message says:
ELIZABETHA SOMERSET
CAROLI DUCIS BEAUFORT FILIA SECUNDA HIC OBIIT VII
MAII MDCCLX
RESTITUTUM ANNO MMIV
This Latin message means: 'Elizabeth Somerset, second daughter of Charles Duke of Beaufort, died here 7 May 1760. Restored in the year 2004.' Lady Elizabeth Somerset died when her horse became scared.
